Spotlight on the JJW Collection

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is a guide to the JJW collection. This collection of hotels: Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Golf Resort, Penina Hotel and Golf Resort and the Formosa Park are three fantastic properties which offer luxurious accommodation, brilliant facilities and most importantly, excellent golf. They are also all situated on the beautiful Algarve where you can experience lovely temperatures through from April to October-November time for golf which makes one of these properties the ideal place for your next golf escape…

First up, just two minutes’ walk from Vale do Lobo Beach is the five-star Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Golf Resort. This is arguably one of the finest hotels in the Algarve and it isn’t hard to see why. Whilst you are staying here, you can enjoy spacious rooms which boast all of the modern amenities that you could need including a flat-screen TV and a minibar whilst the rooms still retain old-world charm. You can spend your days relaxing by the large outdoor pool from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, or you can venture just 200 yards to Vale do Lobo Beach. If you are looking for the ultimate relaxation experience, take a trip to the Estetica Spa where you can enjoy a massage or the other spa facilities. The hotel’s main restaurant, the Primavera Restaurant, serves delicious buffets which boast both regional delicacies and international dishes and after dinner, you can enjoy a cocktail and other beverages at the San Lorenzo Bar. Of course, the hotel and all of its facilities, including its brilliant location, is very important but one of the best things about staying here is that you can pre-book tee times for the Algarve’s premium course – San Lorenzo.

In the past, San Lorenzo golf course has been ranked as the second best course in the whole of Europe which means that is a must-play for any keen golfer when visiting the Algarve. This world-class golf course is set alongside the Atlantic upon sandy and undulating terrain. The course’s fairways are lined with umbrella pine trees and the course borders on to the marshland bird sanctuary of the Ria Formosa. The first five holes wind through a pine tree forest before the course opens up at the par 3 5th hole where the backdrop is the coastline, after this hole you venture past the Ria Formosa before finishing at the opposite side of the Ria Formosa which actually comes into play for the final two holes. The 18th hole is a brilliant risk-reward hole and is a difficult long par 4 where you have to avoid the water which runs up the left side of the hole before trying to land your shot on the island green – a spectacular finish to an incredible round of golf indeed. If the hotel isn’t luxurious enough then the chance to play at this gem of a course should be enough reason to book your next golf break to Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Golf Resort tomorrow.

Another brilliant five-star resort is the Penina Hotel and Golf Resort which is a beautiful and elegant hotel with an outstanding reputation among many golfers and non-golfers alike. The hotel is set within lush gardens and boasts a wide range of sports and leisure facilities including three golf courses and a huge outdoor swimming pool to relax around during the day. The hotel boasts an excellent location, just five minutes’ drive from Alvor Beach and Continente Shopping Centre. All of the rooms at Penina are light and airy and many have private balconies and seating areas which overlook the pool area. Whilst you are not out on one of the golf courses or relaxing by the pool, you can take a trip to the spa where you can have a massage from a wide range of treatments, enjoy the sauna or workout in the fully-fitted fitness centre. Whilst you are here, you will never be short of somewhere excellent to eat or drink as there are five restaurants onsite, each of which has a different speciality whether it be traditional Portuguese dishes or Italian or other international cuisines. Besides all of the excellent facilities and restaurants, the most important thing about a golf escape is the golf and the golf here will not disappoint you as you can enjoy the Penina Championship and the Penina Resort courses.

Penina Championship course is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the hotel’s front door and although the course is fairly flat and walkable, it is a stern test of golf with many trees, water hazards and strategically placed bunkers. It is impossible to pick out just one brilliant hole from the Penina Championship course as so many of them are memorable and present different challenges from the brilliant risk-reward 5th hole where you must either take a risk but play accurately to avoid the large lake and out of bounds and reach the green in two shots or take the longer but safer route. Then, there is the 12th which is a long par 4 where the small green sits directly behind a lake. The Penina Resort course is only 9 holes but you play the course twice to make it to 18 holes. The Resort course is tricky with many lakes and bunkers but it is an enjoyable one where your skills will be tested (but not as much as they are on the Championship course) in beautiful surroundings. So many people return to Penina Hotel and Golf Resort year after year after year and once you take a trip here you will be sure to understand why…

Last, but certainly not least, is the Formosa Park which is situated between the Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo resorts within a protected nature reserve on the coast and is just five minutes’ walk from one of the Algarve’s finest beaches: Ancao Beach. Whilst you are not relaxing on the beach, you can enjoy the hotel’s lovely outdoor pool area which can also be overlooked whilst you are out enjoying a delicious breakfast on the terrace. All of the accommodations boast private balconies and fully-equipped kitchens which means that you have no reason to venture out of the hotel even if you don’t want to overspend on your next golf break. However, there are a good selection of restaurants within five minutes’ driving radius of the hotel. Not only can you get the chance to play the world-class San Lorenzo course here but you can also play Pinheiros Altos which is situated in the Quinta do Lago estate and has wide fairways which are heavily lined with trees and are undulating which can make this course a little tricky. The course’s name translates to “tall pine trees” and you can see how this course was so aptly named but its beautiful surroundings can distract you from the fact that this is a challenging course to even golfers with the lowest of handicaps. After your round, you can enjoy a drink and even a meal in the luxurious clubhouse. The Formosa Park Hotel is an ideal destination for any type of golfing holiday whether it be with a family or a group or if you are just looking for a quiet romantic getaway.

 

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that when you are thinking about the destination for your next golf break, you consider the JJW Collection of hotels and all that they have to offer in terms of service, luxury and golfing opportunities…

Cyprus Special

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is on the joys of Cyprus and some of the best hotels and golf clubs that Cyprus has to offer you for your next golf break. Cyprus boasts brilliant long summers right through from mid-May to mid-October and even at other times of the year, the weather is still mild and mostly dry which makes it an ideal destination for your next golf escape. With beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and fantastic golf courses you need to look no further than Cyprus when thinking about planning your next golf holiday…

The five-star Aphrodite Hills Hotel is situated right in the heart of the Aphrodite Hills Resort in Paphos. The hotel is a perfect example of how classic and contemporary styles can be combined in order to create a luxury hotel within stunning surroundings that boasts excellent facilities and accommodation. Each of the 290 opulent guest rooms each feature their own private terrace or balcony where you will either be able to see out across the Aphrodite Hills course, over the hotel’s gardens or out to sea. The rooms are all fitted with everything that you would expect from a hotel of this standard including a spacious luxury bathroom, bathrobes and slippers, a mini bar and a satellite TV. Dining at the resort is excellent, there is a wide range of different restaurants and bars where you can find everything from evening fine dining to local casual daytime dining. Some of the most popular places include the Greek Cypriot tavern Pithari Tavern where you can eat out on the terrace that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea or the Gate to Indian Restaurant where you can enjoy innovative Indian cuisine within an elegant setting.

You can spend your time here relaxing by the large outdoor pool and if you prefer somewhere quieter you can even make use of either the indoor pool or the adult-only swimming pool. There is also a 24-hour gym and the Aphrodite Hills Tennis Academy as well as two brilliant golf courses to play on: Aphrodite Hills, PGA National Cyprus and Minthis Hills.

The five-star Thanos Almyra Hotel is set amongst beautifully landscaped tropical grounds just five minutes’ walk from Paphos Harbour. There are no fewer than four freshwater pools for you to swim in or relax around and if that isn’t enough relaxation for you then you can enjoy time in the fully-fitted spa where you can choose from a range of holistic treatments and massages as well as the sauna and the gym. Each of the rooms are spacious and either have floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies or terraces from which you can look out to the stunning views of the garden or the Mediterranean Sea. They also have a satellite TV, a minibar and a safe. There is plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink at the hotel as there are four different restaurants which serve different cuisines ranging from traditional Cypriot dishes to international dishes. As well as the hotel’s fantastic restaurants, you are within short walking distance of Paphos Harbour where you can find many different restaurants and bars as well as the Medieval Castle of Paphos which is the perfect place to explore. This is a beautiful hotel and one where you can spend your time relaxing, playing golf or exploring the local area…

Thanos Annabelle Hotel is another five-star luxury hotel which is set amongst tropical gardens which boast palm trees, flowers and the seafront. Once you have stepped out of the hotel, you are only eight minutes’ walk from the golden beach but right at the hotel you can enjoy relaxing around the large outdoor pool with its swim-in caves. Whilst you are not by the pool or on one of the great golf courses nearby, you can take a walk through the landscaped gardens to admire the waterfalls or even use the spa at Thanos Almyra Hotel. All of the hotel’s rooms are elegantly designed with marble features and fitted with the amenities that you would expect from a hotel of this standard including bathrobes and slippers as well as a minibar, a satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. The Annabelle’s on-site Mediterranean Restaurant serves delicious traditional Cypriot and Greek dishes as well as international dishes. Of course, as you are so close to Paphos Harbour whilst staying here, you can venture out for food and drink if you would prefer. Whilst you are out of the hotel, you can take a trip to the local shops or take advantage of the watersports and other activities that are available in the local area. This is the perfect destination for your next golf escape and it isn’t hard to see why…

Thanos Almyra Hotel and Thanos Annabelle Hotel are both beautifully designed and boast of all the facilities and qualities of five-star hotels but the best thing about staying in either of these lovely hotels is the fact that within a short distance of both hotels lie three brilliant golf courses: Elea Golf Club, Secret Valley and Minthis Hills.

Minthis Hills Golf Club is just 25 minutes’ drive outside of Paphos Town and sits 550 metres above sea level which means that from the course you can see stunning views across the surroundings which include the grounds of a 12th century monastery. This is a very scenic course as not only are there stunning views to see but the fairways are lined with fruit trees and grapevines. Although the course is not the longest at 5843 metres long, it is a tricky one which requires accuracy if you are to avoid the various hazards including water, trees and bunkers and not only are there hazards on the course, but due to the position of the course, there is a constant sea breeze which can sway your game off track! The signature hole of the game is arguably the 13th hole which is a difficult par 3 where the green is situated on an island which is surrounded by water. This is a seemingly straightforward course but one that must be approached strategically – a brilliant addition to your golf break to Cyprus.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that you can appreciate all the brilliant hotels and golf courses that you could enjoy if you book your next golf escape to Cyprus…

East Algarve to the Costa de la Luz

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is our East Algarve special which moves on to the brilliant resorts and golf courses on the Costa de la Luz. With the days drawing shorter and the weather getting colder, it is time to start thinking about your next golf break abroad where you can get some sunshine and excellent golfing in. The Algarve & Costa de la Luz boast fantastic weather through from April to November usually and there are some great golf courses to enjoy as well as the weather, beaches, food and drink.

The four-star Praia Verde Boutique Hotel is situated amongst lush pine trees in a quiet location within the town of Castro Marim. Although the hotel is situated in a quiet location, it is just nine minutes’ walk from the beautiful Praia Verde beach and five minutes’ drive from the centre of Monte Gordo. Whilst you are not out exploring the local area, you can spend time relaxing by the hotel’s pool (and the pool’s bar!) or explore the hotel’s Lobby Market where there is a grocery store, bar, lounge and play area. The hotel is beautifully decorated with modern furnishings and all of the rooms are comfortable and spacious and feature all of the amenities that you would expect from a hotel of this standard. As you are close to nearby towns whilst staying here, you can venture out for food and drink but the hotel’s own restaurant, À Terra, serves delicious Mediterranean dishes made with locally sourced produce.

Whilst you are staying at the lovely Praia Verde Boutique Hotel, you can play on the brilliant Quinta do Vale which overlooks the Guadiana where you can play a challenging but fun course with its many doglegs and wide fairways. Quinta do Vale is a great holiday course as there are many strategically placed bunkers and other various hazards which will test players of all handicaps from amateurs to professionals. This is the perfect destination for your next sunny golf break in a beautiful boutique hotel with plenty to do and see in the local areas including beautiful beaches and great food and drink!

Hotel Isla Canela Golf is a brilliant four-star hotel which is just 17 minutes’ walk from the nearest beach and only five minutes’ drive from Isla Canela. Not only does the hotel boast its own brilliant 18-hole golf course on site but there is a lovely outdoor swimming pool for you to enjoy. All of the rooms are beautifully decorated with dark wood furnishings and colourful bathrooms, the rooms also have free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a satellite TV. The hotel’s own restaurant, Thebussem Restaurant, serves both Mediterranean and International dishes for you to enjoy and there is also a café serving international breakfast and a tapas bar where you can enjoy tapas out on a terrace. Just 25 minutes’ walk from the hotel is a small selection of bars and restaurants besides the Guadiana estuary and of course, being only five minutes’ drive from Isla Canela means that there is so much to explore in terms of food and drink especially. Isla Canela golf course on site, is a brilliant course and one that many high handicappers enjoy due to the fact that it is fairly straightforward and boasts some amazing views. This is a great place for your next stay and play golf escape…

The five-star Precise Resort El Rompido is one of Andalucia’s gems with its lovely, peaceful setting, spa, outdoor pool and other facilities. The rooms are all beautiful and bright with private balconies, most of which have stunning sea views and all of which feature a minibar and satellite TV. You can spend your days relaxing around the outdoor pool, enjoying each of the spa facilities, out on one of the two golf courses which are on your doorstep or you can take a short drive into Huelva. The spa boasts an indoor swimming pool, Turkish baths, a sauna and many treatment rooms in which you can enjoy different massages and treatments. The hotel’s main restaurant is the Binidali Restaurant which is where you can enjoy a range of traditional Andalucian dishes as well as international cuisine either in the restaurant or out on the terrace. The hotel also boasts several bars, each with a different speciality and atmosphere for you to enjoy.

There are two excellent golf courses onsite, El Rompido South and El Rompido North. El Rompido South has a front nine which is very tight but the back nine opens up with far reaching views out across the coast – a very picturesque and interesting course, perfect for a holiday. El Rompido North is a fairly flat course but you must play with caution otherwise you will fail to avoid the many water hazards and the marshes which border a few holes on the back nine. This is the ideal destination for your next luxurious golf break with its two great courses, excellent facilities, stunning views and brilliant food – especially with the new semi-all-inclusive board basis.

Last, but not least, is the excellent four-star Islantilla Golf Resort which boasts a superb location next to the clubhouse and just a short walk from a commercial centre which has a small selection of shops and restaurants and just a short drive from a beautiful sandy beach and a main resort centre where you can find more restaurants and shops. There are lots of different leisure facilities on site of the resort including an outdoor pool and the Beach Club where you can take part in different watersports. This is a wonderful hotel with a lovely atmosphere and you must take advantage of the half-board basis so you can enjoy meals in the excellent buffet restaurant. In high season, the hotel’s Andalusian grill bar is open which is fantastic and there is also the Italian Restaurant which is open all year round and at the Beach Club there is a great lounge terrace which overlooks the sea. Islantilla Golf is a great 27-hole complex, the fairways meander through pine trees and from many of the holes you can enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. It can be a tricky course as the wind frequently comes into play but this is a great holiday course. When you are planning your next golf escape to the Costa de la Luz this is the perfect place for you to stay and play…

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that when you are thinking about the best place for your next golf holiday, you remember all of the brilliant resorts and courses that the East Algarve & Costa de la Luz have to offer, not to mention the beaches and towns that accompany these resorts…

27 of the Best Golf World Records (There are Some Weird Ones!)

by Tom

Did you know that there are golf world records? You’ve probably heard of the tallest man alive, the world record for longest fingernails or hair, but, there are tons of world records in the golf world too.

If you’re curious, or are looking for a new challenge to tackle, check out 27 of the best golf world records (some of them may surprise you.)

1. The Longest Putt

The longest putt was 125 yards and was accomplished by 66-year old, Fergus Muir. It happened back in 2001 at St. Andrews Links on the Eden Course. He made the shot on the 5th hole right from the tee. While some would consider themselves on the wrong side of their sixties, others, like Muir, are taking the time to accomplish world records! Pretty impressive.

2. The Fastest Round

The fastest round ever was completed in 13 minutes and 42 seconds. To make this record happen, a team of 80 golfers were placed around the 18-hole course, all doing their part to make the time. The record was achieved at Farnham Golf Club in Surrey. How 80 people were convinced to chip in on this golf round is a bit confusing to me, but their team work certainly paid off.

3. World’s Longest Hole 

The longest hole in the world can be found in Sano, Japan at Satsuki GC. It’s a par 7, 7th, and it measures a whopping 964 yards. Imagine trying to accomplish that in only three swings. Hey, maybe this will even give you an excuse to take a Japanese holiday. You never know, you might come back with a new golfing record of your own.

4. Longest Competition Drive

The longest drive occurred in a professional competition during 1974. It was achieved at the Winterwood golf course (now called the Desert Rose) by a 64-year old named Mike Austin. This record was set during the US National Seniors Tournament. Using a persimmon club, Austin hit the longest drive, which was 515 yards. It’s worth mentioning that he did get a little help from the 35 mph tailwinds that were whipping around that day.

5. The Most Played Holes in One Year

This record is held by a Canadian golfer named Chris Adam. In just one calendar year, Adam managed to play 14,626 holes! In fact, they were all played on one golf course, the King Kamehameha Golf Club, located in Wailuku, Hawaii. What’s more impressive than the number of games that they played is the amount of free time they must have had to pull it off. Maybe this is what retirement looks like for a golf enthusiast.

playing golf

6. The Youngest Golfer to Get a Hole-in-One 

This is a record that’s pretty hard to beat. And, if you’re reading this article right now, your ship has already sailed. Back in 1999, Christian Carpenter managed to get a hole-in-one at the young age of 4 years and 195 days old. The record occurred at the Mountain View Golf Club in Hickory, North Carolina. He continued his record breaking quest by shooting a 54 on an 18-hole course at the age of 12. He has since gone pro. Starting off a star golf career at 4 years of age is a hard thing to top as he gets older I’m sure!

7. The Lowest Score on an 18-hole Course

This record was achieved by Rhein Gibson of Australia in 2012. His score was a 55, during a game that took place at the River Oaks Golf Club, located in Edmond, Oklahoma. During this round, there were 12 birdies and 2 eagles.

8. Longest Usable Golf Club

This was a record made around a good cause. Michael Furrh, of the U.S, made a club that measured 8.56 meters and was still usable. In fact, he used it to hit the ball 59 yards. While doing this, he used the attention that the club got to raise money for breast cancer awareness. How much money he ended up raising, I’m not quite sure, but it certainly is a creative way to support those in need.

9. Lowest Score With One Club

The lowest score ever made with one club was a 2 under par 70. The record was met by Thad Daber of the U.S, while using a 6-iron. Daber accomplished this record back in 1987 during the World One Club Championship in North Carolina at the Lochmere Golf Club.

10. Most Holes Played in 24 Hours

Robb James of Canada holds this record which was accomplished using a cart at the Victoria Golf Course. He played 851 holes back in June of 2004 at this course in Edmonton, Canada. While accomplishing this goal, he hit 430 pars, 45 birdies, a high of 87, and four rounds of 68. I suspect that this man had a whole lot of coffee that day.

golf

11. Longest Course in The World

The longest course in the world can be found in Lijiang, China. It’s located at the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and is a par-72. The course is 8,548 yards, and its longest hole is par-5 5th, at 711 yards. You might want to add this course to your travel bucket list.

12. The Biggest Golf Club Collection

Collecting golf clubs since 1992, Robert Lantsoght of Spain has 4,393 clubs. He owns a restaurant in Costa del Sol where diners can get a view of his entire collection which is on display there. He continues to add to his collection every week.

13. Fastest Golf Cart

People actually race golf carts, and the fastest one was driven by Robby Steen of the U.S. The cart’s name was Bandit, and was owned by Plum Quick Motors. It reached a speed of 191.12 km/hour at the Darlington Dragway in Hartsville, South Carolina in 2014.

14. The Longest Golf Cart

Well, since there is a record for the fastest, there might as well be one for the longest too. Created by Mike’s Golf Course, in the U.S, the longest cart measures 9.62 meters from bumper to bumper. This was accomplished in Georgia during May, 2013.

golf cart

15. The Longest Serving Member of a Golf Course

Geoffrey Crosskill of the UK holds this record of being a golf club member for 82 years and 18 days. He became a member of Eaton Golf Club in Norwich and is still going strong. Twice a week is how often he usually plays, usually on Mondays and Thursdays at 7am.

16. The Tallest Professional Golfer

This record goes to Marcel Pickel of Germany, who stands at 2.06 meters. This was last documented in 2014 in Koln, Germany. From 2010 to 2013, he played on the PGA of Germany Tour.

17. The Most 18-hole Courses Played During One Year

Cathie and Jonathon Weaver of Canada, hold this record for playing on 449 different courses during one calendar year. From 2008 to 2009, they played courses all across Canada and the U.S. The husband/wife duo are quite accomplished golfers and brought their skills to golf courses in Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, California, Nevada, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Maryland, South Carolina, Georgia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, New Foundland, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Throughout this year, they averaged about 8.6 courses every week.

18. Youngest Female Hole-in-One 

Soona lee-Tolley of the U.S, is the youngest female to score a hole-in-one. She was 5 years and 103 days old and was par 3 7th at the Manhattan Woods Golf Club in West Nyack, New York in 2007. The hole was an impressive 125 yards long.

19. The Largest Golf Tee 

Ok, so we’ve already talked about the largest golf club, so now we can’t help but mention the largest golf tee. The record says that the biggest one out there is 30 feet and 9 inches in length, 3 inches in head diameter, and 2 feet, 1 inch in width. Wow. Jim Bolin is the man behind the tee and he achieved this monstrosity by taking giant pine boards, gluing them together, and shaping them with a chainsaw. Why did he make it? It’s hard to say. Maybe he was in cahoots with the guy who made the largest club.

20. Most Golf Balls Hit at Once

Madrid was bidding for the 2016 Olympics and figured that they would pull off this golf stunt to gain some traction. In September of 2009, multiple golfers lined up at the Real Federacion Espanol de Golf Course to hit the record of 1,873 balls. That’s a whole lot of pressure though. Imagine going for the record and then being the one to miss!

golf balls

21. The Most Rounds in One Day in Different Countries

In June of 2013, Alexander Hautekiet and Belgians Kasper De Wulf were able to play 8 rounds of golf in 8 different countries. Starting off at Italy’s Tarvisio Golf & Country Club, they went on to play rounds in: the Netherlands, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, Slovenia, and Belgium, where they finished at the Damme Golf & Country Club. These guys are some serious jetsetters! 

22. Most Balls Caught in One Minute

Wanting to work on their catching skills, two brothers, Nicholas and Daniel Parkes put themselves to work at the Edwalton Municipal Golf Course in Nottinghamshire in the UK. Their little experiment happened in 2013 when Daniel took his 5-iron and hit the balls for Nicholas to catch as he stood 100 meters away. Wearing protective gear, Nicholas was able to catch 7 balls in only 60 seconds. Pretty impressive.

23. Most Consecutive Bounces of a Golf Ball on The Head of a Ball Peen Hammer 

In Viejo, California, Michael J. Lavery was able to set this record with 481 bounces. It’s not easy to do but he seriously committed to this little stunt and has been able to hold the record ever since March of 2017.

24. The Most Golf Balls to Fit in Someone’s Mouth

This seems like a serious choking hazard, but in the name of competition, someone attempted to set the record. In February of 2013, that someone was Dinesh Shivnath Upadhyaya from Mumbai, India. He was able to fit five golf balls into his mouth at the same time. While it’s pretty impressive, it’s also quite dangerous, so please don’t try this at home, or anywhere else! 

golf ball

25.The Most Golf Balls Hit Off a Human Tee in One Minute

Here’s yet another dangerous golf record to note. This one took place in Vermont on May 29th, 2017. Two boys were the geniuses behind this stunt, and a total of 27 balls were hit off of one of their bodies in only a minute. One of the boys laid down on the green, with an upright tee taped to his stomach. While this could have ended up as a disaster, things clearly went pretty well.

26. The Most Rounds Trying to Shoot Their Age in One Day

Bob Kurtz, a 71-year old golfer and former CNN and ESPN sportscaster set the record at seven in 2012. He was at the Oaks Golf Course in Fairview, Alabama. He played nine rounds before finally completing the task, with his starting rounds of 70, 68, 68, 67, 69, and ending with 70, and 69.

27. Most Golf Balls Hit in Ten Seconds

This seems like a whole lot of pressure to put on yourself. With only ten seconds to spare, Mark E. was able to hit 37 golf balls. His record was set in October of 2014. Pretty impressive! I wonder what he looks like when he goes to the driving range.

 

Who would have thought that there were so many world records set around golf? There are plenty more where that came from if you’re curious to see what else these competitive golfers have been up to. And, if you would like to beat these, or set some new records, go for it; there’s always room to improve on what already exists. If you’d like to practice on a golfing holiday, you can see our destinations here.

Save

Save

Insider’s Guide to Sicily

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is an insider’s guide to Sicily and all of the great things it has to offer you for your next golf escape including brilliant beaches, luxurious hotels and great golf courses. Although Sicily might not be the first place that you think of when you are planning your next golf holiday, there is so much to do, see, eat and drink here that it would be a shame not to come and enjoy some of the brilliant courses that are situated here whilst taking advantage of the lovely Sicilian culture.

Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort and Spa is a charming and beautiful four-star golf resort located right at the foot of Mount Etna and inside the Mount Etna Nature Park. As the hotel is located 2,133 feet above sea level, the hotel and its surrounding areas are kept at a lovely temperature due to the sea breeze. Whilst you are not out on the golf course or exploring the local beaches and ancient Greek ruins that are nearby you can spend your time relaxing in the resort’s comprehensive spa which boasts everything from a swimming pool to a gym to a sauna and different massage treatment rooms. The hotel’s main restaurant, La Ghiandaia serves traditional Sicilian dishes and after your game of golf you can enjoy a varied lunch menu at the club house there. This is the ideal destination for your next relaxing golf escape with beautiful surroundings, facilities, top service and the fantastic Il Picciolo Golf Club right next door.

Il Picciolo Golf Club is a brilliant golf club situated within Etna National Park. The fairways wind their way through the ancient lava flows that have been carved out by Mount Etna which makes the course truly unforgettable. Although the course is not particularly long at only 5,881 metres from the championship tees, it is filled with hazards including water and natural twists and turns as the course winds through the natural landscape. Il Picciolo is the oldest golf club on the island and boasts a tranquil atmosphere and a stunning setting with Mount Etna. the National Park as well as oak trees, vineyards and hazelnut trees lining the fairways. There are many fantastic and unique holes on this course but the signature one, without doubt, is the very short par-3 5th hole where Mount Etna is the backdrop to a three-tiered green that you can rarely score anything less than par. This is a beautiful and atmospheric golf club with a great course and a great clubhouse – one that isn’t to be passed up on when on the beautiful island of Sicily.

The five-star Verdura Resort is situated on 230 hectares of stunning Sicilian countryside and olive groves and borders 2km of golden coastline. Whilst you are here, you can enjoy the two Verdura courses, relax on the hotel’s private beach, swim in the infinity pool or take advantage of the extensive spa and wellness facilities – this hotel truly has it all. The spa boasts four thalassotherapy pools as well as a range of different massages and treatments available and there is also a fully-equipped gym and running trails as well as two tennis courts if you are looking to exercise beyond the golf courses. All of the rooms here feature their own private balconies from which you can see out across the hotel’s stunning surroundings and some of the rooms even have their own private courtyard and terrace which overlook the Mediterranean Sea. For dining and drinking, the resort’s restaurants and bars serve a variety of different cuisines and there is always somewhere that you can find a cold beverage or two! If you are looking for a luxurious golf break then there is no place more suited to you than the Verdura Resort.

The Verdura Golf Resort boasts two courses – the East and the West. The East Course has been designed impeccably to provide you with an unforgettable round of golf whilst you can still see out across the Sicilian coastline. The wind is always a huge factor on gameplay on this course which can make it especially difficult to score well, particularly when there are many strategically placed bunkers and a few water features lying in wait to catch errant shots. This is a great course with a very interesting design and some spectacular views. The resort’s West Course boasts a more traditional layout and whilst you play you can experience some incredible but different backdrops including an old railway line, the countryside, the Mediterranean and the coastline all in one round. These courses are ones that you must play and are fantastic additions to the already brilliant Verdura Resort…

Last, but certainly not least, is the five-star Donnafugata Golf Resort and Spa which is nestled in the South East of Sicily in one of Sicily’s most fascinating regions. The resort is a golfer’s paradise with two brilliant golf courses on site as well as shuttle buses in the summer to the resort’s private beach area and there are two bars and three restaurants on site. Aside from the resort’s extensive golf facilities, there is a fully-equipped gym and spa where there is a sauna, a steam bath and an indoor pool. Both and airport and nearby city Ragusa can be reached by car in under 30 minutes’ drive from the resort. This is a very luxurious resort with some great facilities and you will always experience excellent service. Another destination that is perfect for your next luxury golf escape to Sicily…

There are two courses at the Donnafugata Resort – the North Course and the South Course. The North Course was designed by Gary Player and is a challenging and fun course for golfers of all abilities. The course blends effortlessly into its natural surroundings and carob and olive trees line the fairways. This is a stunning course with some interesting natural features for you to see along the way. The South Course is the Links course and is entirely different to the North Course which means that whilst you are here you can truly sample the best of both worlds. This course is very close to the sea so there is always wind present which makes it hard to score well, especially when there are artificial lakes lying in wait for any shots that are even slightly off target! This is the perfect course if you are looking for a thrilling golf course. Make sure that the Verdura Resort and its fantastic golf courses are in your mind next time you are contemplating booking your next golf break…

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that you will consider Sicily as the destination for your next golf escape with its fantastic weather, culture, food, drink, hotels and golf…what more could you need?

The Best Golf Resorts with Three Courses

by Ella Ruben

When you are considering which resort to go to when planning your next golf break, one of the things that appeals to many golfers is the opportunity to play several courses so that you won’t get bored and that you can embrace the opportunity to explore more of the local courses. This week’s blog is a guide to some of the best resorts that boast three great courses for you to enjoy…

First up is the luxurious Quinta do Lago resort which is the perfect place for your next relaxing golf escape where there are three fantastic golf courses for you to take advantage of – North, South & Laranjal. Besides fantastic golf, there are several tennis courts as well as long sandy beaches for you to walk along. You can spend your holiday here taking advantage of the sporting facilities or spend time relaxing on the golden beaches or around the pool at whichever hotel you choose to stay at in Quinta do Lago. Within the resort, there are many different bars and restaurants serving fresh Mediterranean food as well as Italian cuisine and Steakhouses. With some of the finest golf courses, excellent weather for many months of the year, exclusive events to join in with and a brilliant food and drink scene there is nowhere better than this luxury resort which lines some of Portugal’s most beautiful coastline.

La Manga Club is an exclusive holiday resort located in Murcia, Spain. As well as three brilliant golf courses for you to enjoy (North, South, West), there are a wide range of different sporting and leisure activities including one of the largest tennis academies in Europe for you to take advantage of whilst staying in the resort. Choose from staying in either the five-star Principe Felipe hotel or the four-star apartments at Las Lomas Village where you will experience complete luxury and high-class service and accommodation. Whilst you are not on the golf course or enjoying the other sporting facilities then you can enjoy relaxing in the large wellness centre which boasts everything you need to totally relax. The resort boasts more than 15 bars and restaurants which boast all kinds of cuisine from traditional Mediterranean to Asian dishes to Italian pizzas. This is an ideal location for your next golf break where you have a variety of things to do and see, including three excellent golf courses.

La Cala de Mijas is a great town with a bustling atmosphere filled with everything that you could possibly need for a perfect golf holiday including brilliant golf, weather and dining options. La Cala is one of the finest golf resorts in Andalucia as it boasts three championship golf courses: Campo America, Campo Europe and Campo Asia. Whilst you are not on one of the great golf courses, you can spend time relaxing in the resort’s spa which is the perfect place to relax in with enchanting scenery as its background and with everything that you need from thermal baths to a range of different massages and treatments. La Cala boasts several unique bars and restaurants to choose from including La Terraza where you can dine al fresco or Laurel Restaurant at the Club House which boasts excellent light meals. If you are looking for a great resort which boasts everything that you could want or need then La Cala is the perfect place for your next stay and play golf break.

The Belfry Hotel and Resort is an award-winning, luxury resort where you can enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside. The resort is located just outside of Birmingham and in the countryside of lush North Warwickshire countryside and boasts three superb golf courses, The Brabazon, PGA National and The Derby. Whilst you are not out enjoying a round on one of the golf courses or walking through the beautiful countryside, you can relax in the resort’s spa where you can use the relaxation rooms or enjoy a massage or treatment in one of the many beautifully decorated treatment rooms. When it comes to food and drink, you can enjoy a cold beverage and a light bite to eat in Sam’s club house or visit the Ryder Grill for a sumptuous Sunday Lunch and that isn’t where the culinary delights of The Belfry Resort ends. For your next golf break to the UK, look no further than The Belfry Resort for luxury accommodation and fantastic golf courses.

The Penina Hotel and Golf Resort is one of Europe’s most famous golf resorts and it isn’t hard to see why. The resort is set within lush gardens and is just over three miles from Portimao and the city of Lagos. Whilst you are staying at the resort, there are many leisure amenities to enjoy including a well-equipped fitness centre, tennis courts and a spa with massage treatments and a sauna. There are three golf courses onsite of the resort including the Penina Championship and Penina Resort courses which are excellent courses and perfect for your next golf break to Portugal. Guests return year after year to the Penina Resort and that is no surprise when you look at everything there is on offer here from luxurious accommodation, high-class service, beautiful villages and town within a short distance from the resort and to top it all off, three fantastic golf courses. There is no better place for your next golf break than Penina Resort.

Fancourt Resort in South Africa boasts three excellent accommodation options including the five-star Fancourt Hotel, the five-star Manor House (another hotel) or you can stay in privately owned lodges on the estate. The resort boasts three 18-hole golf courses: Montagu, Outeniqua and The Links which are all rated as top courses in South Africa. Whilst you are not enjoying relaxing in the luxury hotels or on one of the golf courses, you can enjoy the resort’s spa which has both indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools and an indoor heated Roman Bath. You can also venture out to the swimming beaches or take part in other activities from mountain biking to horse riding and picnics. This is a beautiful resort in a very special location which makes it ideal for your next golf holiday to South Africa, especially if you are looking to play several brilliant courses.

Last, but certainly not least is the Lumine Beach and Golf Resort which boasts a special combination of nature and nightlife. The three Lumine golf courses (Hills, Lakes & Ruins) are fantastic and each pose a different challenge but are all brilliant and are perfect holiday golf courses. Lumine Resort boasts a fantastic location just one hour from Barcelona Airport, 20 minutes’ drive from Cambrils and 10 minutes’ drive from Port Aventura. Whilst you are not enjoying a round on one of the fantastic courses, you can venture out to the nearby beaches including Playa la Mora Beach. This is a great resort where you can enjoy three brilliant courses and the brilliant nearly-year round weather.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that when you are next planning your golf break, think about all of the golf that you could play if you are staying within a brilliant resort with three courses…

Insider’s Guide to Italy Golf and More

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is a guide to some of the best resorts and golf that Italy has to offer. With autumn and winter fast approaching, it is time to start thinking about your next golf escape to the sun and with great food, drink, service, golf and accommodation make sure that Italy is on your radar…

First up, we have Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort and Spa which is a superb four-star resort located at the foot of the volcano. The resort offers a stunning location within the Mount Etna Nature Park and many of the spacious guestrooms here offer you beautiful panoramic views over the park of the volcano and the surrounding Sicilian countryside. Whilst you are not enjoying a round on the resort’s golf course, Il Picciolo Golf Club, you can spend time relaxing in the resort’s fully-fitted spa which includes a swimming pool, a gym, a sauna, a Turkish bath as well as beautifully decorated massage rooms in which you can choose from a wide range of treatments. The hotel’s main restaurant, La Ghiandaia, serves traditional Sicilian dishes or you can have lunch at the golf club where you can enjoy a brilliant and varied lunch menu. This is a great four-star resort which boasts all of these amenities as well as a great half-board option. The golf course, Etna Golf, is the oldest course in Sicily and although is a smaller course, accuracy is required to score well and the course always features a breeze but stunning views due to the fact that it is over 2,000 feet above sea level. This is a perfect destination for your next golf escape to Italy…

The four-star Acaya Golf Resort and Spa boasts a superb location as it is nestled within the Italian countryside surrounded by olive groves and breathtaking Mediterranean landscape but only 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Lecce and just five minutes’ from the beach. The rooms are elegantly decorated and furnished and are equipped with all of the amenities that you would expect from a hotel of this rating including a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. From the rooms, you can enjoy the views across either the golf course, or the Puglia countryside or the hotel’s gardens. This is another brilliant Italian resort which boasts extensive spa facilities including a Turkish bath, sauna, Jacuzzi, whirlpool and a steam room as well as a wide array of different treatments on offer. The hotel’s main restaurant, Gian Giacomo, serves up traditional dishes which have all been prepared using local produce. Here, you can either enjoy the B&B option or for a small extra supplement, the half board option and whilst you are not out exploring, enjoying the resort’s facilities or relaxing in the spa then you must play the brilliant (and onsite) Acaya Golf Club which is a charming course with magnificent views of the countryside which boasts a wide variety of different but equally challenging holes. This is a brilliant resort for your next golf break to the Puglia area.

Our next suggestion is the four-star Meltar Boutique Hotel is a converted historic property from the 1800’s which boasts elegant rooms and suites from which you can enjoy stunning views of the hotel’s gardens and the surrounding mountains and countryside. This is a perfect hotel for your next couples golf escape to the area as the hotel is located within a golf course but for non-golfers there is an excellent spa which includes a sauna, Turkish bath, a hot tub and a fully-fitted gym. in the summer, breakfast is served in the gardens which is beautiful but the interior of the hotel is equally as elegant with a lounge and fireplace for you to enjoy. The Asiago Golf Club is well-known as one of the most stunning courses in Europe and its fairways wind through pine forests, woods and natural clearings whilst maintaining a fairly flat layout. Not only is the course superb with breathtaking views but it has good levels of playability and boasts some excellent facilities including the club house where you can get some great food and drink after your round. This resort and its course are highly recommended by our team at Golf Escapes and it isn’t hard to see why…

Next, we have the well-appointed three-star Porta San Mamolo Hotel which boasts a central location just 10 minutes’ walk from Bologna’s main square and it isn’t far from some top tourist attractions including the Basilica of San Domenico. The rooms are decorated with a modern theme and a many have terraces with great city views or that boast private entrances from the gardens. In the mornings, you can enjoy your breakfast out in the courtyard and when you are finished playing rounds on one of the nearby three high standard golf courses or exploring the city then you can relax and unwind in the hotel’s 24-hour bar. This is a perfect destination for combining your golf and city break with so many great bars and restaurants nearby to the hotel as well as three excellent golf courses Golf Club Bologna, Le Fonti Golf Club and Modena Golf & Country Club and the hotel is just 15-minutes’ drive from the airport.

Last, but certainly not least, is the four-star Villaverde Resort which boasts an excellent location where you can have the feeling of isolation and tranquility as well as be very close to some great golf and beautiful historic villages as the resort is nestled in the Fagagna Moraine Hills but is less than a kilometer away from the village of Fagagna and just two-minutes’ walk away is Golf Club Udine. All of the rooms boast private terraces from which you can look out onto the golf course and are fully-equipped with all of the amenities that you would expect from a hotel of this standard. This is a new resort as it only opened in 2016 and since then it has gained a brilliant reputation for being a great resort with a fully-equipped spa including a sauna, a Turkish bath, an indoor pool as well as a fitness centre and a seasonal outdoor pool. The hotel’s main restaurant serves local dishes to you whilst you can sit overlooking the beautiful countryside and golf course which surrounds the hotel. This is a modern hotel which is perfect for your next couples golf escape.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that when you are thinking about your next golf escape, Italy and all it has to offer in terms of cuisine, golf, service and resorts comes to mind.

't Live Without

29 of the Best Golf Apps You Can’t Live Without

by Tom

Do you live and breathe golf like many of our customers? If you eat, sleep and live the sport of golf then you’ll probably already have quite a few specialist apps on your mobile device. With so many brand new apps being developed all the time to help amateur golfers improve their swing and enhance their training, it’s no wonder mobile solutions are becoming such a hot commodity.

Here at Golf Escapes, we believe in spreading your wings and experiencing the joys of this prestigious, time-honoured sport in destinations across the world. And having mobile access to useful apps will make golf travel and golf training so much easier. So we’ve created a list of some of the best golfing apps available right now.

Divided into handy categories, here are 29 of the top golf apps that you simply cannot live without…

GOLF SWING TRACKING APPS

1.V1 Golf (free)

This is perhaps the best free app at the moment for tracking your golf swing. Not only does it allow the golfer to record and analyse, but it also provides useful and interesting comparisons to more than 50 swings from PGA, LPGA and Champion Tour players – with a split screen so you can see the difference between your own swing and the professional’s. These players include the likes of Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Lorena Ochoa, Karrie Webb, Darren Clarke, Freddy Couples, Vijay Singh and many more. Additionally, the app allows you to trim, mark up and edit your swing video so you can play it back and study it frame by frame, or you can watch it in slow motion.

 

V1 Golf

2. Everyday Golf Coach Power (£5.99)

Improve your game with the Everyday Golf Coach app, complete with 38 coaching videos to help with your training from PGA professional golf coach, Dr. Noel Rousseau. You can record and compare your swing with that of a model, and you can also use slow motion/variable speed playback on the video recording to analyse your technique step by step. If you are looking for more yards off the tee, then this app is definitely for you.

3. Coach’s Eye (£4.99)

This app claims to be the world’s leading video platform to review technique and to improve performance immediately. Not only can you check out your own swing for golf, but it’s actually a multi-sport tool so you can use it for any competitive sport – including team sports such as football or ice hockey. Features include slow motion, zoom, video importing capabilities, split screen videos, audio commentary, drawing on video (including freehand), and social sharing.

4. Golf Channel Academy (free)

Another app claiming to be the best of the best, and it’s definitely up there with the best apps to download right now. Excelling as an instruction app, Golf Channel Academy is ideal for golfers who are looking to learn. The library features a comprehensive collection of over 2,000 videos from top instructors such as Michael Breed, Marin Hall and Dana Rader. Additionally, for anyone living in or travelling to the US, you can use the app to find a Golf Channel Academy coach to help you out in real life.

5. Hudl Technique Golf: Slow Motion Swing Analysis (free)

Like the other apps mentioned so far, Hudl Technique allows you to record your swing then play it back in slow motion for frame by frame analysis. You can use swing plane drawings and compare your swing to that of pros, whilst also being able to add a voiceover to videos. But the top added benefit of using Hudl is access to a large Hudl community of golfers just like you. The community feature means that you can get feedback on your swing technique, and the app allows social sharing which can be done very easily.

Hudl

6. Edufii (free)

This free app has been designed for coaches by coaches. And is said to be the top digital platform for various careers in sports coaching, saving over 20 hours a week in administrative tasks. The app is focused on video and image analysis, and can be used to channel all communications with players and team members. Also ideal for individual golf users or for sharing training and technique analysis between friends.

7. Swingbot (free)

Swingbot features video, playback and easy video upload to Swingbot.com. The special Swingbot software will analyse your swing and provide instant feedback – whether you’re in the middle of your golf round or just practicing your swing at home. You can also view your own progress as you upload more and more videos over time.

8. Golf Coach by Dr Noel Rousseau (£6.99)

A ground breaking golf instruction app and winner of both the UK and US App Design Awards for ‘Best Sports App’. Also named as the ‘Top 20 Must Have App’s by The Telegraph. It costs £6.99 to download but if you’re serious about improving your game and honing your skills, it’s worth the price tag. Dr Noel Rousseau has a PhD in motor learning, making him the ideal teacher.

SCORE KEEPING/ RANGEFINDER

9. Golf GPS & Scorecard (free)

Golf GPS & Scorecard is an excellent GPS rangefinder that works on over 33,000 courses across the globe! And it comes with a digital scorecard that automatically advances from hole to hole, giving you complete convenience when on the golf course. You can store your rounds online (free of charge) and you can even use the available stats and graph makers to watch your progress. The rangefinder feature is fantastically handy, with satellite imagery and zoon.

10. Golfshot: GPS + Scorecard + Tee Times (free)

The free version of Golfshot gives you easy scoring and tracking, as well as distances for over 38,000 courses worldwide. Not only can you track your own scores, but you can track the scores of your friends too and other features include graphing your performance in driving, greens, short game and putting. There’s also a paid version (Golfshot Plus) which is £28.99 and is a more advanced version; with interactive, real-time distances to all targets and hazards, as well as real-time GPS distances, 3D flyover previews of each hole, easy tracking on the Apple Watch, and personalised club recommendations based on your record.

11. Golflogix (free)

Features GPS distances on more than 30,000 golf courses, plus a yardage book with colour 3D imagery. The included scorecard feature allows up to 4 players at a time, as well as handicap and stat tracking. All stats will be linked up to the GolfLogix website, which means that you can easily track your progress.

12. Golf Pad: Free Golf GPS Finder & Scorecard (free)

Easy to use and compatible with the Apple Watch (in the premium version), this GPS app has everything you need. It has a rangefinder, shot tracker and free scorecard.

Golf Pad-Free Golf GPS Finder & Scorecard

13. Golfshake (free)

This is a stylish app and its claims to be ‘the no.1 online score tracking system’ which can record rounds and stats, track your golf handicap, as well as provide important course info and course reviews. With independent reviews for more than 27,000 courses around the world, it’s perfect for your next golfing holiday.

HANDICAP APPS

14. Diablo Golf Handicap Tracker (free)

Use the Diablo Handicap Tracker app to establish a USGA Handicap index, and use it to post your latest scores, share reviews and ratings, and track your friends too. Features include Facebook integration for score sharing and finding other Diablo members and course location functions such as GPS course finder.

15. SGU HandicAPP (free)

Made by the SGU, the Scottish Golf governing body for amateur golf in Scotland, this app is for members only. Membership with Scottish Golf is available to affiliated golf clubs and will give you access to their members forums and other added features, such as this superb app. Once downloaded, simply login with your membership username and password.

16. Golf Handicap Tracker – Track Unlimited Rounds (free)

Designed with simple interface, this app is very easy to use. The Golf Handicap Tracker by Max Rodewald allows you to track unlimited rounds, is free to download, and calculates your handicap under USGA rules. All you need to do is record your scores and the app will do the rest. It’s a simple, no frills application that is handy for beginner or seasoned golfer alike.

17. FC Golf Handicap (free)

A fantastic handicap app that will help you figure out your handicap on “particular courses” such as marsh, blue or black. Use your USGA Index handicap and enter a few other details and it will give you an accurate handicap for your next game.

FC Golf Handicap

18. Instant Golf Handicap (£1.99)

Instant Golf Handicap is a smart tool that helps you understand your handicap as you play. Simply enter details such as score, slope number and course rating and then the app will calculate everything for you. Your history is then recorded in a table that you can easily review and manage.

GOLF COURSE LOCATOR APPS

19. Golf Finder (free)

Made for the UK and Ireland, the Golf Finder app allows you to find a golf course anywhere near you or somewhere you’re travelling too. You can search by region or use the interactive map to locate courses within a few miles. There are more than 2,900 courses within the Golf Finder database and each course features its own profile page with key info.

20. Golf Nearby (free)

Golf Nearby is ideal for travelling around the world with. It has logged golf courses across the globe, and is able to locate the nearest golf courses to you wherever you are in the world by taking data from Foursquare. Other features include pictures of golf courses if available, directions to get there, street view, contact details such as phone number for the club, link to golf course website, and easy information sharing via email or text.

21. My Golf Caddy – Course Finder (£0.99)

Booking a golf holiday to the states? Or travelling out there for business? This superb app, costing just £0.99, is everything you need for the perfect game of golf anywhere in the states. There are more than 16,000 golf courses stored within this application and can be accessed via your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. You can get the nearest courses by proximity, find out course details, see course reviews and ratings, get one touch calling – or you can search specifically by city or state.

GAMING APPS

22. WGT Golf Game by Topgolf (free)

The no.1 free golf game at the moment! By TOPGOLF Media and as seen on NBC Sports, Golf Channel, DIRECTV and Fox Sports. Top graphics, the best 3D technology, and over a dozen championship courses featured in the game.

WGT Golf Game by Topgolf

23. Pro Feel Golf (free)

A game that looks and feels realistic, yet it isn’t overly complex. A simple touchscreen game for golf addicts who also enjoy gaming in their spare time. The one touch interface provides a real-world experience with realism and precision. Compatible for both iPhone and iPad.

MISCELLENOUS

24. Stat Caddie (free)

A superb little app that doesn’t overcomplicate things. Track the accuracy of your golf stats and find out which clubs you pull or push, and which clubs you excel at. Ideal for analysing a single golf game or for reviewing your latest range session. You have the option of viewing top line stats or drilling down into the details.

25. TheGrint – All Golf. One App (free)

If you’re sick of downloading different apps for different needs, then this app is for you. TheGrint is an easy and convenient all-in-one application that is completely free to use. It’s the most complete ‘all-rounder’ app available, with handicap calculator, performance stats, live scoring, GPS rangefinder, games and points calculation, 4 people organiser, tee times booking and much more.

26. Golf Ball Finder (£0.99)

Tired of losing your golf balls? The Golf Ball Finder App does the same job as blue glasses and is super handy anywhere on the course. With the app, you can adjust the screen to match the weather / sun exposure and you can even adjust the blue filter based on the type of grass you are playing on. Find golf balls has never been easier!

golf-ball-finder

27. PGA Tour Mobile (free)

This official app of the PGA Tour features real time leader boards, live player scorecards with shot trails and stats, player profiles, live video for every PGA Tour event, round recaps and tournament highlights, as well as access to the latest news. Set it to push notifications so you never miss a thing during the PGA Tour.

28. Sports Illustrated Golf + Digital (free)

Get free articles from Sports Illustrated Magazine by downloading this app. There are new articles available every Wednesday and the free content will include everything from columns, articles and commentary to video essays, photos and interviews with pro players. From time to time, there will be reviews on products and various equipment, or reviews of golfing destinations and different courses.

29. LPGA Now (free)

Provides you with tournament info, news and live scores. Other features are photos and video footage, player stats, player rankings, and course conditions. You can even select certain players to follow.

If you’re planning a golfing holiday, make sure you’ve downloaded your new apps before you go so you can give yourself time to get used to them. Also, don’t forget to pack your golfing sunglasses!

Insider’s Guide to Thanos Hotels

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is an insider’s guide to the Thanos hotels: Annabelle and Almyra. These two five-star, fantastic hotels are situated in Paphos and whilst you are staying at either of them you will have easy access to three brilliant golf courses: Elea Golf Club, Minthis Hills and Secret Valley. When you are thinking about your next golf break, Paphos is a great consideration with practically year round golfing weather and these two beautiful and luxurious resorts.

 

Thanos Hotel Annabelle is situated just an eight minutes’ walk to the beach and is set amongst tropical landscaped gardens with palm trees and flowers. Whilst you are not out enjoying a round on one of the three local golf courses, you can enjoy relaxing around the large outdoor pool with its swim-in caves or relax in the sauna or take a trip next-door to Hotel Almyra to use the spa facilities there. All of the rooms are decorated with elegant marble features and all of the amenities that you would expect from a hotel of this standard including a satellite TV, an elegant ensuite bathroom as well as a minibar and free Wi-Fi.

As the Annabelle overlooks the Port of Paphos, you are within a short distance of all of the attractions there including watersports and historical buildings. Of course, there are also many restaurants and bars for you to try whilst staying here but if you would rather eat within the hotel there are two excellent restaurants. The hotel boasts a Mediterranean Restaurant which serves traditional Cypriot and Greek dishes as well as international cuisine and whilst dining, you can enjoy views of the sea. The hotel’s main restaurant, Fontana, serves buffet-style meals.

With so much to do, see, eat and drink both within the hotel’s grounds and in the local area of Paphos, there is no surprise that this is a highly recommended destination for your next golf holiday to Paphos with great weather, fantastic golf and luxury accommodation.

 

Hotel Annabelle’s sister, Hotel Almyra, is right next-door and boasts the same excellent location as Hotel Annabelle but is only a five minutes’ walk to the beach as well as just a five minutes’ walk to Paphos Harbour. The hotel boasts four freshwater pools for you to relax around whilst you are not out on one of the three great golf courses which are all close to the hotel. The Almyra boasts an excellent spa with a sauna, a gym and a wide range of holistic treatments and massages for you to choose from.

This is a beautifully luxurious hotel and the rooms are all spacious and light with either floor-to-ceiling windows or a private balcony or terrace from which you can enjoy the stunning views of tropical gardens and the sea. The rooms also feature a minibar, a satellite TV, a minibar and a safe. Like its sister hotel, Almyra offers guests the choice of four different restaurants including the main restaurant where you can enjoy a traditional Cypriot breakfast in the morning. Of course, being just five minutes’ walk into the Port of Paphos means that you have plenty of choices when it comes to food and drink but you can also enjoy restaurants serving traditional and local cuisine as well as international dishes right at the hotel.

Hotel Almyra is a great hotel in a superb location and is truly befitting of its five-star rating which makes it a perfect hotel for your next golf break to Cyprus.

 

There are three courses which guests at the Annabelle and Almyra tend to play due to them being great courses within a short distance of the hotels. Elea Golf Club is one of the golf courses and boasts a stunning location set above the Mediterranean Sea. Elea Golf Club is a tricky course with an abundance of bunkers and so requires strategic play in order to navigate your way around them. The course’s signature hole is its 17th which is a long par-4 which features dramatic bunkering and a sloping fairway. This is a great course with excellent views and is nearby to both Thanos hotels.

Minthis Hills Golf Club is just 25 minutes’ drive from the town of Paphos and is located 550 metres above sea level which means that even during the summer months, you will have to endure the winds from the sea which could strongly affect your play if you aren’t careful. This course blends effortlessly into its surroundings with fruit trees and grape vines lining the fairways which wind and slope through the hills. The course boasts a wide range of different holes which makes it a great holiday course but although the course looks straightforward, you will need to play accurately if you want to score well here.

Last, but not least, is the 18-hole championship course at Secret Valley Golf Club. The course boasts an interesting layout with an interesting backdrop of rock formations and mature trees. The back nine holes are certainly more challenging than the front nine but if you can manage to keep the ball in play and avoid the many water hazards, you can score close to your handicap. Although this is a long course, there are many different tee option which means that it is still suitable for players of all handicaps!

Both Annabelle and Almyra are stunning hotels with all of the amenities that you would expect from five-star hotels and so it isn’t a surprise that they are top recommendations for your next golf holiday to Cyprus especially with three brilliant golf courses all within close proximity of the hotels.

Long Haul Special

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is a long haul special in which we will show you some of the brilliant hotels and experiences that there are to be had a little further afield than Europe. When you are thinking about booking your next golf break, it is worth considering what you can get for your money when travelling somewhere completely new and different and these hotels and experiences are definitely some of the ones to look at…

First up, in Dubai, is the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City which is a stunning five-star hotel located on the Dubai Creek and just 20 minutes’ away from Dubai airport. Whilst staying here you will experience the ultimate luxury as the hotel offers so many fantastic amenities and facilities as well as beautifully decorated accommodation. Whilst you are not enjoying relaxing by the outdoor pool, in the gym or playing a round of golf at the superb Arabian Ranches Golf Club you can take advantage of the hotel’s great location being close to the Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa and the Kite Beach. The hotel boasts 13 different restaurants so there really is something for everyone with each of the restaurants serving different cuisine from sushi to mezze boards to Brazilian. This is a beautifully designed hotel with so many local attractions including Creekside Park and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and is the perfect destination for your next luxury long haul golf break.

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa is a stunning five-star resort set in the heart of Abu Dhabi which means that it boasts an excellent location within close distance of some of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions including the world-renowned beach, the Corniche. Whilst you are not out exploring the local attractions, you can spend time relaxing by one of the two outdoor pools or at the Heavenly Spa. The golf at the resort is as brilliant as the rest of the facilities as on-site you have a 27-hole Championship course and within close proximity of the resort you also have two other courses. Everything about this resort is luxurious including the rooms which are all open-plan and have floor-to-ceiling windows as well as private balconies. If you are looking for luxury and to travel to somewhere new with fantastic golf and plenty of things to do, see, eat and drink then this is the perfect place for your next golf holiday.

In the Dominican Republic is the lovely, five-star Casa de Campo Resort and Villas where you can enjoy a special and unrivalled golfing experience. This resort is considered to be one of the world’s leading golf resorts and it isn’t hard to see why with everything that it has to offer including no less than three excellent golf courses on-site as well as many different sporting facilities, a health spa, nightly entertainment and a private beach. Each of the rooms is furnished beautifully and boasts its own private balcony or terrace as well as a walk-in closet and a large flat-screen TV. There are many restaurants on-site and you can enjoy different cuisines and dishes from seafood to International dishes to Spanish cuisine. This is the ideal resort for you if you are looking for a busy and exciting golf break to the Dominican Republic where you can play a few different but equally brilliant golf courses.

Your next recommendation for a brilliant long haul golf holiday is the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale where you can stay in spacious accommodation and enjoy all of the luxury facilities and amenities offered here. Whilst you are not out enjoying a round on one of the five brilliant golf courses which are easily accessible from the hotel, you can relax by one of the outdoor pools which each have hot tubs or exercise in the fitness centre. The guest suites have all been recently refurbished and boast everything that you could need including a kitchenette, free Wi-Fi and a satellite TV. Old Town Scottsdale is on your doorstep whilst staying here and there is so much to do and see there including spas, shopping, dining and an abundance of nightlife. If you are looking for a great base to explore Old Town Scottsdale, play some great golf and stay in luxurious suites then this is the perfect place for you to choose for your next golf break.

Tamarina Boutique Hotel on the West Coast of Mauritius is a lovely four-star hotel which is situated next to its very own private beach and is surrounded by tropical lands. Tamarina Golf Club is a fantastic 18-hole championship course but there is so much to do besides play golf here including taking a visit to the Casela National Park, relaxing by one of the four outdoor pools or in the spa or you can enjoy the many sporting activities that are available at the hotel including quad biking and diving. Each of the rooms in the hotel are fully air-conditioned and all feature either a private balcony or terrace from which you can enjoy stunning views of the surroundings. Tamarina Boutique Hotel is a beautiful hotel from which you can enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Mauritius and play some great golf at the same time making it a perfect destination for your next long haul golf holiday.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Shongololo Express which although is not a resort or hotel, can offer you something truly brilliant on your next golf break to South Africa. The Shongololo Express journeys from Pretoria to Cape Town, or vice versa, over 14 nights and offers you the chance to experience the very best of South Africa and travel in style whilst you do it. The train will stop off at many of the country’s top attractions and top golf courses including: Fancourt, Arabella and Leopard Creek. There is no better way to travel South Africa and get the chance to see everything that this country has to offer than on the Shongololo Express which makes this the perfect experience for your next long haul golf holiday.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that when you are planning your next golf break you think about taking the opportunity to see somewhere new and exciting and experience an entirely different culture on a long haul trip.